Native bird conservation, art therapy and “curious contraptions” are among the many people and projects supported by the Mazda Foundation in its latest round of funding.
Almost $66,000 was gifted to individuals and organisations across the country with a strong focus on the preservation of New Zealand’s natural environment and supporting the well-being of young people.
BirdCare Aotearoa received $2817 to purchase two infusion pumps and cold laser therapy units which are critical for the life-saving care and rehabilitation services they provide.
With the goal to create a healthy and safe relationship between the local community and wild bird populations, the organisation provides a hub for people to bring sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife.
Bianka Atlas, Fundraising and Development Coordinator at BirdCare Aotearoa says the charity provides care, rehabilitation, and release services for Aotearoa’s wild birds.
“We believe that every bird counts – after all, extinction happens one individual at a time. The lifesaving care we provide for sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds contributes directly to the conservation of Aotearoa’s native species.
“We are proud to provide an essential service to the community and are committed to providing the highest standard of care for every patient. This grant enables us to purchase equipment that is integral to our work and will make a huge difference in the care of our patients,” she says.
The Mazda Foundation is funded through a contribution from the sale of every new Mazda in New Zealand. Each year it runs three funding rounds to help Kiwis in need with over $4.3 million being gifted back to the community since its inception in 2005.
Other recipients this round received grants for creative art initiatives. Marlborough based Creative Kids Trust received $4700 to purchase musical instruments for its artistic therapy group programme and wellness sessions.
Sara Rogerson, Trust Coordinator at Creative Kids Trust Board, says the organisation provides pathways for young people, and their whanau, who have a wide range of needs.
“Through engaging creatively in art, theatre, music, or movement we help individuals to explore unconscious material that is often difficult to articulate in words. It does not rely on artistic knowledge or ability, as the key is embedded in the process not the finished product,” she says.
Whirinaki Whare Taonga, an arts, cultural and events centre in Upper Hutt, received a grant of $5000 to cover the theatre hire for its latest exhibition, Curious Contraptions.
Leanne Wickham, Director of Whirinaki Whare Taonga, says the centre has a constantly changing programme of exhibitions ranging from the best New Zealand and international art through to local exhibitions.
“Curious Contraptions is aimed at encouraging interest and education in science, technology, and engineering for young New Zealanders. It is a fun-filled, interactive experience that combines technology, science, engineering and play where children and young people can tinker with hands-on activities.”
David Hodge, Chairman of the Mazda Foundation, says the Foundation is proud to continue providing support for initiatives that make a difference to New Zealanders.
“We are thrilled to support organisations like BirdCare Aotearoa who do incredible work protecting and caring for our native wildlife. We are also proud to be contributing to creative art initiatives to enrich young Kiwis,” he says.
